Montgomery, Jones Voted Into Jazz Hall Of Fame

Singer Betty Carter, guitarist Wes Montgomery, drummer Elvin Jones and bandleader Fletcher Henderson have been voted into Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame.

Photo: AP Photo/File
Captured in this multiple exposure at New York’s Avery Fisher Hall, June 1978.

JALC announced the 2014 inductees Monday after tallying votes by jazz fans worldwide from a list of 10 nominees selected by a committee of musicians and scholars.

Montgomery influenced countless modern jazz guitarists, including George Benson and Pat Metheny. Jones was the driving force propelling saxophonist John Coltrane’s classic quartet.

Henderson’s big band helped create swing music, and his arrangements were used by Benny Goodman’s orchestra. Carter was a masterful scat singer known for her adventurous improvisations.

JALC has inducted 45 members into the Hall of Fame since 2004.